Challenges and Potential Improvements in Implementing Environmental Education amid Climate Change
摘要
Namibia has made significant treads in promoting environmental education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as key tools for achieving sustainable development. However, the implementation of this education faces considerable challenges. Environmental education centres, such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) and Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) play a critical role in fostering practical learning and sustainable practices that are aligned with EE and ESD goals; however, their efforts are often compromised by the vulnerability of natural resources due to the impacts of climate change. This study utilised five selected centres to highlight some challenges centres face in implementing EE and ESD under current climate conditions. The study reveals that many activities offered by the centres require resources that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The effects of floods and droughts are not limited to the natural resources, infrastructure, and physical well-being of humans. Still, they can also affect the psychological well-being of affected learners, students, and teachers, which could undermine the long-term goals of EE and ESD. The study proposed some potential innovative solutions that could be applied in addition to the current practices of their respective centres and schools to enhance the effectiveness of implementing EE and ESD, particularly in terms of hands-on experiences. By improving and expanding its climate resilience strategies, the country can strengthen its environmental education framework and achieve its long-term sustainable development goals.